Buck’s Stunning Heritage Knife Merges Iconic American Design with Fan-Favorite Modern Steel

With a silhouette that pays homage to legendary blades of the past and some contemporary updates, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Buck 119 USA fixed blade knife with black handle resting on brown fabric and gloves.

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By Sean Tirman

Published December 8, 2025

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Updated December 8, 2025

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There’s an argument to be made that Buck Knives is the most important American knifemaking brand in operation, perhaps ever. At the very least, the brand is among the most influential, even if only for its legendary 110 Folding Hunter — one of the most iconic knives of all time.

Yet the brand continues to impress, launching reissues and novel silhouettes alike at regular intervals. The latest, the Buck Knives 117 Mini Stealth Run #12, is actually both — combining the styles of two of the brand’s existing designs into a unconventional offering built with contemporary, fan-favorite materials.

Buck 119 fixed blade knife with black handle on a mustard fabric background with tan gloves and an orange hat. — That thick clip-point blade measures 4.5 inches.

Best of both worlds

As mentioned, the 117 Mini is actually a combination of two existing Buck designs. Specifically, it features the blade shape of the 117 Brahma with the handle shape from the 102 Woodsman.

The blend works incredibly well, creating a subtle tweak to both knives that results in a unique new offering that remains steeped in heritage, both in terms of the brand and the broader history of American knifemaking.

Fixed-blade hunting knife with a polished steel blade and black ergonomic handle on a brown background. — While the brand doesn’t list the total length, it’s safe to assume this knife is probably around 9.0 inches total.

Speaking of, the blade shape and features hearken to one of the most iconic American knives ever, the Bowie — also known as the grandfather of American fighting knives. Like that historic knife, this one features a clip-point blade, a long, curved edge, and a fuller (also known as a blood groove.)

However, Bowie knives are typically honking big, and this one is deceptively compact. With a 4.5-inch blade, it fits more closely into the modern bushcraft category, making it an exceptional all-around outdoor knife that excels at both large and small cutting tasks.

Buck 117S fixed blade knife with polished steel blade and black handle on an orange background. — Yes, this USA-made knife blade is crafted from fan-favorite MagnaCut steel.

Bushcraft beauty

While the styling is clearly a blend of heritage designs, the materials are thoroughly modern in nature. Perhaps better still, they include some serious fan favorites.

Most significantly, Buck’s new knife sports MagnaCut blade steel. Arguably the most popular steel of the moment, MagnaCut is a super steel beloved for its exceptional blend of toughness, edge retention and corrosion-resistance.

Black polished knife handle with silver metal bolsters and a partial view of the blade marked "BUCK USA. — The handle is Phenolic with an aluminum guard and butt and Micarta spacers.

That sure-to-be-a-fan-favorite blade is mated to a handle that comes in three parts. The main grip is black Phenolic, a resin composite, which is mated to maroon Micarta spacers and an aluminum guard and pommel.

To complete the package, the knife is accompanied by a black leather sheath for easy carrying. However, this is a special edition, meaning only 500 were made and are currently offered for sale. As a result, this knife is likely to sell quickly and probably won’t be restocked anytime soon, if at all.

Fixed-blade Buck 117 hunting knife with black handle and leather sheath on an orange background. — Of course, this being a fixed blade, it comes with its own leather sheath.

Pricing and availability

The Buck Knives 117 Mini Stealth Run #12 is now available on the brand’s site for $175 each. However, remember that only 500 were made, and once they’re gone, they’ll be gone for good. If you’re considering it, you’ll want to pick one up sooner rather than later.

Fixed-blade hunting knife with a polished stainless steel blade and black ergonomic handle.

Buck Knives 117 Mini Stealth Run #12

$175 at Buck Knives

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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